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Easy Savory Korean Beef Bowl Recipe

easy savory korean beef bowl recipe - featured image

A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired beef bowl that comes together in about 5 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe features a savory, sweet, and umami-packed sauce with tender beef served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef (80/20 ground beef preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (jasmine rice recommended)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: steamed or sautéed veggies like spinach, carrots, or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cook 1 1/2 to 2 cups uncooked rice according to package directions (about 15-20 minutes).
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground or thinly sliced beef and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir and break up the meat, cooking until no longer pink and beginning to caramelize, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir continuously to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
  5. While the beef simmers, slice 2 green onions and toast 1 teaspoon sesame seeds in a dry pan for about a minute until fragrant.
  6. Assemble bowls by spooning warm rice into bowls, topping with the beef mixture, and garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. Add steamed or sautéed veggies if desired.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally adding a drizzle of sriracha or a fried egg on top.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning beef to avoid steaming; cook in batches if necessary. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftover beef and rice can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or soy sauce. Optional toppings include sriracha or a fried egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, quick dinner, savory beef recipe, easy Korean recipe, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe, sesame oil, soy sauce, umami beef bowl